Job Description

Job Location: Lawrence, KS 66045
Position Type: Full TimePOSITION SUMMARY
The Residential Procurement Operations Supervisor manages purchasing, inventory, and storeroom operations for a high-volume residential dining facility on Daisy Hill. This role oversees daily procurement activities, maintains accurate inventory and product data, and ensures safe food-handling, storage, and sanitation practices in accordance with university and food safety standards. The supervisor leads and develops storekeepers and assigned staff, providing training on operational procedures, systems, and reporting tools. In addition, this position administers procurement and inventory systems, supports forecasting and operational reporting, and drives process improvements that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and service delivery within residential dining operations
DUTIES & REPONSIBILITIES OF ALL KU MEMORIAL UNION POSITIONS:
- Adhere to University and KU Memorial Union policies and procedures.
- Support the KU Memorial Unions lines of effort, initiatives, and End State as described by the Executive Director, and work to achieve and uphold the department’s mission and core values: community, dignity, empowerment, excellence, innovation, and safety.
- Follow the 7 Team Principles: competence, creating a cohesive team through mutual trust, creating shared understanding, setting clear leader intent, written/verbal communication, disciplined initiative, and risk management.
- Demonstrate a positive, solution-oriented attitude in performing job responsibilities and collaborating with colleagues to foster a respectful and productive work environment.
- Always exhibit professional decorum while representing the KU Memorial Unions and the University, including routine events and meetings that occur outside of the office, around campus, and out in the community.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Manage daily procurement, ordering, receiving, and inventory activities for the residential dining operation, ensuring accuracy, organization, and compliance with established procedures.
- Maintain accurate inventory levels and product data through physical organization, reporting, reconciliation, and discrepancy resolution.
- Forecast products needs using historical data, menus, sales trends, and budget guidelines to support operational planning and cost control.
- Monitor and analyze key operational metrics, including KPIs, variances, and performance trends; prepare and share reports with leadership.
- Identify and implement process improvements and cost-control measures related to purchasing, inventory management, and storeroom operations.
- Collaborate with finance, culinary, and operations teams to support menu planning, special events, and operational needs.
- Oversee vendor ordering, delivery coordination, and documentation, including transfers and substitute sourcing when needed.
- Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, storage, and handling standards; monitor product quality indicators such as cleanliness, appearance, temperature, and freshness.
- Supervise, train, and support storekeepers and assigned staff; provide guidance on systems, procedures, and operational expectations.
- Serve as a primary resource for staff by addressing procedural questions, troubleshooting issues, and supporting day-to-day operational decisions.
- Maintain procurement and inventory systems, including data entry, reporting, and use of unit tools (e.g., service line worksheets, inventory systems).
- Support recipe development and standardization in partnership with culinary leadership.
- Provide coverage for supervisory responsibilities as needed and participate in special projects or operational initiatives.
- Perform other related duties by the Assistant Director of Residential Dining, Director of Dining or their designee.
MINIMUM Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
- Minimum of 4 years’ experience in high-volume food service production.
- Demonstrated effective understanding of quantity food service pereparation and production operations.
- Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel).
- Working knowledge of food and non-food products, processes, and operations within a large-scale food service environment.
- Knowledge of commercial kitchen equipment and safe, effective operating practices.
- Understanding of health, sanitation, and safety standards applicable to food service operations.
- Ability to follow standardized recipes, procedures, and operational instructions.
- Ability to supervise, train, coach, and hold staff accountable for performance and expectations.
- Ability to maintain positive working relationships and provide service to a diverse campus community.
- Ability to manage inventory, product quality, and quantity controls to support accurate food cost and fiscal accountability.
- Ability to successfully obtain ServSafe certification within 6 months of hire.
- Ability to communicate effectively with employees at all levels of the organization, as well as external partners, University campus partners and affiliates, and vendors.
- Experience with data management and analytical ability to gather, clean, and interpret data.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge of emerging technology like Food Service Suite (FSS).
- Knowledge of CBORD program or similar menu management system.
- Knowledge of intercollegiate dining or food service environment.
Working Conditions
Environment
The Residential Procurement Operations Supervisor works in a high-volume university campus dining environment that includes cafeteria facilities, storage areas, and vendor locations. The role involves frequent interaction with KU Dining staff, campus partners, and external vendors, requiring a high level of professionalism and collaboration. Occasional travel may be required to attend vendor meetings, industry events, or training sessions.
Physical Demands
This position requires the ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while working at a computer, as well as mobility to move throughout office, kitchen, and storage facilities. Must be able to occasionally lift, carry, and move items weighing up to 50 pounds, such as boxes of supplies or product samples. Frequent verbal and written communications are essential to effectively collaborate with vendors, staff, and leadership. The role may also require working flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, or weekends, to support dining operations, procurement deadlines, or special events.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.